Wednesday, May 25, 2011

inique Strauss-Kahn moves to townhouse in New York

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, is led from Manhattan's financial district where the former International Monetary Fund leader was staying following his release on bail, Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in New York. Photograph: Louis Lanzano/AP

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former International Monetary Fund leader, has moved from a temporary apartment to a luxurious townhouse where he will remain under house arrest as he awaits trial in his attempted rape case, officials said.

The one-time French presidential contender was seen as he got into a gray sport utility vehicle under tight security. He was moved about a mile (1.6 kilometres) away from New York's financial district to the stately red brick townhouse in Tribeca, according a person familiar with his housing arrangements.

The building is close to the courthouse where he will attend hearings.

Attorney William Taylor told reporters on Wednesday that his client was "doing fine" under house arrest.

"Not much he can do," Taylor said.

Strauss-Kahn is free on $1 million bail under strict house arrest after prosecutors feared him a flight risk given his international status and wealth. He spent about a week in jail on Rikers Island after he was arrested on 14 May following accusations that he sexually assaulted a hotel maid in his room at the Sofitel near Manhattan's Times Square. His lawyers maintain Strauss-Kahn is not guilty.

Bail plans hit a snag late last week when tenants at the Upper East Side apartment building initially secured for his house arrest refused to accept him because of unwanted media attention. He was briefly housed at a high-rise near Wall Street, where a throng of media has been camped out at the building, broadcasting as his wife, former journalist Anne Sinclair, entered and left the building.

Strauss-Kahn, who has no prior criminal record, is monitored by armed guards and wears an electronic bracelet, and his movements are recorded on camera. He will be allowed out for court, doctor's visits and religious services. Prosecutors must be notified at least six hours before he goes anywhere, and he can't be out between 10pm and 6am. Under his terms of house arrest, he can receive up to four visitors at a time besides family.